1
a
: lively or frisky in action : capricious
b
2
: easily frightened : restive
a skittish horse
skittishly
adverb
skittishness
noun
Synonyms
Examples of skittish in a Sentence
We've been skittish about taking on such a large mortgage.
the skittish colt leapt up when we approached
Recent Examples on the Web
Progressives love the idea, but even many moderate Democrats are skittish about the prospect.
—
Joseph Thorndike, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024
His scar doesn't seem to physically affect him, but he gets spooked by sudden or loud noises and can be skittish.
—Marco Rubio, Newsweek, 2 Nov. 2024
John Higgins and Martin Herlihy play skittish first-time skydivers.
—Bethy Squires, Vulture, 20 Oct. 2024
But skittish investors are now concerned about the outlook for a bellwether banking stock, along with broader concerns about slowing U.S. economic growth.
—Hugh Son, CNBC, 10 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for skittish 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Joseph Thorndike, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024
His scar doesn't seem to physically affect him, but he gets spooked by sudden or loud noises and can be skittish.
—Marco Rubio, Newsweek, 2 Nov. 2024
John Higgins and Martin Herlihy play skittish first-time skydivers.
—Bethy Squires, Vulture, 20 Oct. 2024
But skittish investors are now concerned about the outlook for a bellwether banking stock, along with broader concerns about slowing U.S. economic growth.
—Hugh Son, CNBC, 10 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for skittish
Dictionary Entries Near skittish
Cite this Entry
“Skittish.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/skittish. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share